The Ministry of Civil Aviation has published a draft of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2025, inviting objections and suggestions from the public. This legislative proposal, made under the new Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, aims to regulate the transport of dangerous goods by air, emphasizing safety and compliance with international standards. The public has until July 9, 2025 to submit their feedback.
The proposed rules extend across the entirety of India and apply broadly to aircraft registered in India, those operated by Indian-based operators (wherever they may be), all aircraft currently in or over India, and persons involved in air transport services to, from, within, and over India, including shippers of dangerous goods and designated postal operators.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules
The draft outlines stringent requirements and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in the air transport of dangerous goods:
Operator Certification
No operator can engage in the carriage of dangerous goods without being certified by the aeronautical authority of their State. For operators based in India, this certification will be issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Compliance with Technical Instructions
All dangerous goods carriage must strictly adhere to the requirements specified in “Technical Instructions.” Special provisions apply to certain categories:
- Explosives cannot be carried without written permission from the Central Government under the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
- Radioactive Material requires written consent from the Central Government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Emergency Exemptions
The DGCA, or an authorized officer, may grant exemptions in extreme emergencies (such as national crises or natural calamities) where full compliance might adversely affect public interest, provided an equivalent level of safety is ensured.
Forbidden Goods
Any articles or substances specifically identified as forbidden for air transport under any circumstances in the Technical Instructions are strictly prohibited.
Custody of Unauthorized Goods
Authorized officers can take custody of dangerous goods if there is reason to believe the rules are being contravened.
Classification, Packing, Labeling, and Marking
Dangerous goods must be classified, packed, labeled, and marked in accordance with the Technical Instructions. This includes strict requirements for packaging quality, secure closure, resistance to contents, and testing. English must be used for markings and transport documents in addition to any other required languages.
Shipper and Operator Responsibilities
Both shippers and operators have detailed duties, including:
- Shippers must ensure goods are not forbidden, properly prepared, and provide a signed dangerous goods transport document with an accurate declaration. Non-compliant shippers may be prohibited by the DGCA from offering cargo.
- Operators should accept only properly documented goods, inspect packages for leakage/damage, ensure correct loading and stowage (including segregation of incompatible materials), promptly remove damaged or leaking packages, and decontaminate aircraft. Dangerous goods are generally forbidden in passenger cabins or flight decks, with limited exceptions.
Reporting Mis-declared/Undeclared Goods
Operators and handling personnel are mandated to report any mis-declared or undeclared dangerous goods to the DGCA for investigation and preventive action.
Operators must provide critical information to the pilot-in-command before departure, ensure flight crew are informed, warn passengers about forbidden items, and provide emergency response instructions to their personnel. In case of in-flight emergencies, accidents, or incidents involving dangerous goods, immediate information must be provided to air traffic services and emergency responders.
The DGCA or authorized persons have powers to inspect facilities, equipment, documents, and personnel, and to conduct investigations into alleged violations.
Mandatory Training
All personnel involved in the transport of dangerous goods must undergo proper training and assessment commensurate with their responsibilities. This training needs to be recurrent every twenty-four months.
Shippers, operators, ground handling agencies, freight forwarders, security screening agencies, and designated postal operators must establish and maintain dangerous goods training programs, which require review and approval by the DGCA for Indian entities.
Organizations conducting dangerous goods training must also obtain DGCA approval, meeting specified infrastructure, facility, and personnel qualifications.
Fees
A fee structure for various certifications, exemptions, and approvals has been prescribed. For instance, initial certification for a scheduled operator to carry dangerous goods will cost Rupees two Lakh, while a training organization’s approval will cost Rupees one Lakh per station.
The DGCA can issue special directions through Aeronautical Information Circulars (AICs) and Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) related to dangerous goods handling, subject to public consultation.
The DGCA has the authority to impose restrictions, suspend, or cancel licenses, certificates, or approvals for non-compliance.
Public Consultation
Objections or suggestions regarding the draft rules may be addressed to the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Opposite Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi-110003, or mailed to dgoffice.dgca@nic.in. All feedback received within the specified 21-day period will be considered by the Central Government.
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Draft Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025
